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Leading technology firms are supporting a plan in which public schools would teach computer science as early as eighth grade and students would be asked computing questions on standardized tests. The plan, supported by executives from Google, Microsoft and other firms, would make Massachusetts the second state -- after South Carolina -- to mandate computer science courses.

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The Office of Management and Budget last month issued guidance regarding conference spending by federal agencies. The guidance directed agencies to take steps to limit conference-related costs, but acknowledged that conferences are a necessary part of government life. "[I]t is critical for each agency to continue to recognize the important role that mission-related travel and conferences can often play in government operations," the OMB stated.

Nearly half of the jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math do not require workers to have a four-year degree, according to a report from the Brookings Institution. This "hidden" STEM job market, in which jobs pay an average of $53,000 per year, could provide opportunities for community colleges, the researchers found. "This [data] should encourage bigger companies to leverage their influence with community colleges and other programming to make sure there is a pipeline of workers," Brookings researcher Jonathan Rothwell said.

Three technology companies are seeking U.S. authorization to reveal details about their role in a National Security Agency surveillance program in response to criticism that they shared private user data with the spy agency. Google broke the silence with a letter calling for more transparency, and Microsoft and Facebook joined the search giant in asking for permission to release a report to users on details about the number of data requests they receive and how they respond to them.

Several government agencies have in recent years invited the private sector to participate in innovation competitions aimed at solving technology problems. Under the Obama administration, the federal government has awarded about $40 million in prize money to the winners of these competitions. The Army, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission are among the agencies that have initiated such competitions.

Debate will now begin on the immigration overhaul bill in the Senate after lawmakers voted 82-15 to allow the measure to move forward. This opens an amendment process, and some Republicans are hoping to strengthen the bill's provisions on border security. House Speaker John Boehner, who also seeks tougher border security measures, expects a tougher version of the immigration bill will pass both the House and Senate by the end of the year.